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PureRef
Johanneshov, Sweden
What it is
PureRef is a standalone organizer for collecting visual references, assembling mood boards, and keeping images nearby while painting or working on 3D models. Images can be added from a computer, pasted, or dragged in from a browser. Workflow tools include quick notes, desaturation, and ways to arrange and align images; a pen tool allows freehand marks and shapes, and playback controls are available for animated GIFs. The app can stay above or below other windows, appear as an overlay, or let clicks pass through to the application underneath. It supports image formats including AVIF, GIF, HEIC, JPEG, PNG, PSD, SVG, TIFF, WEBP, and EXR. Images and associated image data remain on the user’s machine rather than being stored online. The Personal plan is free for personal use. Commercial use with version 2.0 and later requires a per-seat license, with a one-time Small business option limited to three users per studio. PureRef runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
For and against
For
- Accepts images from files, paste, or browser drag-and-drop
- Includes image arrangement, alignment, notes, and desaturation
- Supports overlay and mouse-through window modes
- Stores images and image data locally
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Against
- Commercial use requires a per-seat license
- Small business license is capped at three users per studio
- No specific support beyond the EULA and website is stated
The verdict
PureRef focuses on keeping reference images organized and accessible while working in other applications. Personal use is free, but commercial users should check the license options and limits before choosing a plan.
Who it suits
PureRef suits artists, designers, and 3D modelers who want to collect and arrange visual references alongside their work. Personal users can use the free plan, while commercial users need a qualifying license.
Plans and prices
Personal
Single user license · Hobbyist / educational
Read 3 Oct 2026 · pureref.com
Business annual subscription
Commercial use · Per seat · Priority support
Read 3 Oct 2026 · pureref.com
Business monthly subscription
Commercial use · Per seat · Priority support
Read 3 Oct 2026 · pureref.com
Small business
Commercial use · Maximum 3 users per studio · Free updates for this version (2.x)
Read 3 Oct 2026 · pureref.com
On the record
- Commercial license limit
- PureRef 2.0 and later require a per-seat license for commercial use; the Small business option is capped at three users per studio.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Drawing and GIFs
- The handbook describes a pen tool for freehand marks and shapes, and playback controls for animated GIFs.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Image formats
- The FAQ lists support for common formats including AVIF, GIF, HEIC, JPEG, PNG, PSD, SVG, TIFF, WEBP, and EXR.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Image input
- Users can add images from their computer, paste them, or drag them directly from a browser.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- PureRef can stay on top of a chosen application, and transparent-to-mouse mode allows clicks to pass through to the application below.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Local storage
- The FAQ states that images and image data are stored locally on the user's machine and are not sent to or stored online.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The makers identify themselves as Natascha and Viktor working together as Idyllic Pixel, a tiny company in Stockholm, Sweden.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy and telemetry
- The privacy policy says anonymous usage statistics and crash reports are collected if the user opts in, and anonymized crash reports are uploaded to Sentry.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy compliance
- Idyllic Pixel says it processes personal information in accordance with the EU GDPR and Swedish tax and accounting laws.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PureRef is a standalone reference image organizer for collecting inspiration, making mood boards, and keeping references for painting or 3D modeling.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker provides a handbook, FAQ, forum, and contact form, while its EULA says the software has no specific support beyond what the EULA and website state.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The download page says users can try PureRef before buying and return to support future development if they like it.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Window modes
- The handbook documents always-on-top, always-on-bottom, transparent-to-mouse, and overlay modes.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Workflow tools
- The home page lists quick notes, desaturation, and tools to arrange and align images.pureref.com · read 3 Oct 2026
